Page 253 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

a maritime nation and third in telecommunication facilities, while it is one of
the top countries in the world in the ratio of university graduates to population.
It is obvious that without the UN presence such results could hardly be
achieved.

25. Another characteristic case is the UN action in Cambodia. The
operation in this country was perhaps one of the largest and the most difficult
to implement. After two decades of violent conflict and chaos, including the
extraordinarily brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia was completely
devastated. The UN operation there - United Nations Transitional Authority
in Cambodia (UNTAC) - started in 1991 after the signing in Paris of the
Agreements on a Comprehensive Political Settlement of the Cambodia
Conflict. Its objectives were both military and civilian.

26. UNTAC had to stabilize the security situation and build confidence
among the parties to the conflict; verify the withdrawal from Cambodia of all
categories of foreign forces; supervise the cease-fire; confiscate caches of
weapons; and assist with mine-clearance. It also had to organize free and fair
general elections. In practical terms UNTAC had to replace the collapsed local
administrative and governmental structures and to exercise direct control over
Cambodia's foreign affairs, national defence, finance, public security arid
information.

27. Despite numerous problems the general elections in Cambodia were
conducted and the Constituent Assembly began its work. The mandate
entrusted to UNTAC was concluded on 24 September 1993. On that date,
Cambodia became a constitutional monarchy and an independent, sovereign,
peaceful, neutral and non-aligned State.

28. It will take Cambodia many years to overcome all the consequences of
the war. However, the UN had laid the basis for the reconstruction of the
country and, as a result today, from the business point of view, Cambodia is a
very busy place. The recent review of minerals in Cambodia confirms
investigations carried out earlier indicating the existence of significant mineral
deposits in this country which include sapphires, rubies, alluvial cassiterite,
silica, bauxite, manganese, kaolin coal, lignite, and phosphorate. A number of
large foreign companies, in particular American and Japanese, have already
started their operations in Cambodia. The United States alone are represented
by 91 companies which are involving in import-export, services, construction,
oil exploration and manufacturing. There are now 25 foreign commercial banks
in Cambodia including one British, one French, and one Australian.

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